Agenda and minutes

The Chair announced that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capable of repeated viewing.  The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council.  All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speakers in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of High Peak Borough Council.

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

There were no disclosures of interest

None

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2024 be approved as a correct record.

It was requested that there be a meeting of the Asset Management Working Group and the new Head of Assets was introduced to Members.  Ways to ensure good principles around procurement were discussed, together with the need to ensure that agendas are managed to facilitate meaningful scrutiny.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the above, the Select Committee Work Programme be noted.

The Committee scrutinised the Council’s overall performance, financial and procurement position for the period ended 31 December 2024 (“Third Quarter 2024/25”), as set out in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the covering report.  The Executive Councillor for Corporate Services and Finance also presented a detailed overview of the main findings within the report.

In response to a query regarding the upgrades to the heating system at Pavilion Gardens, members were advised that the new system has been commissioned and a further update with timescales will be circulated.

Regarding customer complaints, members were advised that feedback from customers has been encouraged which has led to a rise in complaints as an expected part of that process.  In respect of an increase in fly tipping, all steps are taken to discourage fly tipping and to implement fines. Regarding bin lids, replacement hinges are being investigated and cameras are on refuse vans which can assist in monitoring when bins are damaged while being emptied.  Other issues around refuse bins are being progressed via the Joint Waste Working Group.  An update around the timescales for the refurbishment of Sylvan Toilets was requested, together with improved signage.

The ICT strategies, such as those that have been developed to make customer interactions more efficient and effective, will be re-examined in the light of the Government’s intentions around Local Government Re-organisation (LGR) and English Devolution, to establish if the business case for the proposed investments will now proceed as planned or be revised.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Third Quarter 2024/25 financial, procurement and performance position as detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the covering report be noted; and

2.    That the Executive be recommended to approved the write-offs set out in Appendix D (part II of the agenda).

The Committee scrutinised the proposed Budget for 2025/26, updated Medium Term Financial Plan 2025/26 to 2028/29, Capital Strategy 2025.26, proposed Fees and Charges for 2025/26, and Procurement Forward Plan 2025/26. 

The Executive Councillor for Corporate Services and Finance presented a detailed summary of the main points in the report, and it was noted that as set out at paragraph 3.5 of the report, that the MTFP did not include any projections to reflect the potential implications of Local Government Reorganisation as there is not yet sufficient detail on their impact, therefore there are risks to the 4-year balanced MTFP.  These will be addressed in future versions as more information emerges.

Comments and queries were made around the following areas:

·         heating costs at Marion Court;

·         Fees and Charges (specifically taxi licensing, officers’ time and car parking including fines);

·         costs around bio-diversity and conservation, de-carbonisation of the housing stock (HRA), the local plan and members’ priority actions;

·         empty property strategy, including the registration of holiday lets and Air B&Bs;

·         Nestle Water; and

·         Single person council tax relief for those living in larger dwellings

The Executive Councillor and members of the Committee thanked the Finance Team for their excellent work.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive is recommended to make the following recommendations to Council be noted:

·         Approves the General Fund Budget for 2025/26 as detailed in Appendix A (section 9).

·         Approves the revised Medium-Term Financial Plan (2025/26 to 2028/29) as detailed in Appendix A, including the revised Capital Programmes (attached at Annex A).

·         Approves the Capital Strategy 2025/26 as set out in Appendix B.

·         Approves the proposed Fees and Charges for 2025/26 as detailed in Appendix C.

·         Approves the proposed Procurement Forward Plan for 2025/26, providing the Authority to procure based on procurement activity detailed in Appendix D.

·         Approves a Band D Council Tax of £224.19 for 2025/26 (an increase of £6.51 or 2.99% from 2024/25).

·         HRA charges as follows:

o   All dwellings rents to increase by 2.7%, increasing the average rent from £82.84 to £86.91 per week (average rent takes into account new tenancies let over the previous year where the higher formula rent was charged. This gives an arithmetical increase of 4.68%).

o   Garage rents to be increased by 5% from £8.68 to £9.11 average per week.

o   Other Charges including service charges to increase by a maximum of 5%.

o   Fuel charges at individual blocks have been reviewed and the 2025/26 charge is based on the previous year’s usage and estimated costs, charged on an individual scheme basis.

·         Notes the Chief Finance Officer's view that the level of reserves are adequate for the Council, based on this budget and the circumstances in place at the time of preparing it (Appendix A Annex C).

Representatives from Alliance Norse were in attendance to provide the Committee with an annual update on performance. 

Matters reported included key performance metrics, general fund compliance, financial overview, operational developments, challenges and mitigation, strategic initiatives, capital projects, repairs, health, safety, quality and environmental updates, HR and risks.

Concerns were expressed around the length of time customers are waiting for out of hours responses to repairs, particularly in adverse weather.  Efforts are being made in conjunction with the contractor to secure additional engineers local to the area to provide a more consistent service.  It was suggested that particularly in adverse weather, other support organisations such as 4x4 responders could be engaged to provide assistance. It was confirmed that there are contingency arrangements to provide portable heaters to residents in Sheltered Accommodation if necessary.

In response to queries around Buxton Opera House, a meeting is being convened to discuss the wider investment plans.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and the officers be thanked for their attendance.

The Committee considered the Alliance Workforce report attached at Appendix A, which provided a summary of the current achievement and progress of staff throughout the Alliance, focusing in on the progression made by staff, trainees and apprentices.

The Head of OD & Transformation and her team were congratulated for their work in this area.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Committee considreed an update on trade union liaision and collective agreements for a period of twelve months (January to December 2024).

Reference was made to the benefit of developing a Trade Union Partnership Agreement.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and an annual update on trade union liaison continue to be presented to the Committee.

None

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideraton of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 4 November 2024 be aprpoved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be recommended to approve the write offs set out in Appendix D.

The Executive Directror (Resources) provided a verbal update on progress with the Springs project.